The Milwaukee Bucks were missing most of their key players on Sunday against the Chicago Bulls. While most fans were expecting to get their first glimpse of the newly-formed Giannis Antetokounmpo-Damian Lillard pairing, Milwaukee decided to rest both superstars in their preseason opener.
Neither Giannis nor Dame appears to be nursing any concerning injury. The same cannot be said about Khris Middleton, though.
Milwaukee Bucks Coach Spills on Khris Middleton’s Injury Status
So much has been said about Middleton’s injury of late. The three-time All-Star is still recovering from offseason knee surgery, and he hasn’t been able to fully participate in his team’s practice since training camp started.
Unsurprisingly, Middleton was unable to take the floor on Sunday as a shorthanded Bucks side took down the Bulls, 105-102. After the win, head coach Adrian Griffin was asked about Middleton’s status, as well as that of incoming second-year shooting guard A.J. Green. According to the rookie shot-caller, both players are trending in the right direction:
“I think they’re progressing well,” Griffin said. “I think right now, they’re just getting they’re conditioning. Hopefully, soon we’ll see them back.”
That’s not exactly a very optimistic update, particularly on the Middleton front. Milwaukee has yet to provide a timetable on his return from injury, and this recent statement from Griffin doesn’t make things any clearer.
At this point, it is clear that the Bucks have no intention of taking any unnecessary risks on Middleton. He is coming off an injury-riddled campaign from 2022-23 that saw him play just 33 games. The team does not want a repeat of this case this season, so it appears that they’re only going to let him play once he’s fully healed from his current knee issue.
The Bucks return to action on Tuesday to take on the Memphis Grizzlies. I wouldn’t put my money on Middleton suiting up for that one.
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